Appendix
Jesus heals many people
We are told that Jesus healed many people. This implies that some were not healed. What are we to make of this?
One of Jesus’ miracles gave sight to a blind man. He was brought to Jesus by people who asked the question, “Who sinned that this man should be born blind? Was it his sin, ort that of his parents?” Jesus answered that the blindness had nothing to do with sin, but it would provide an opportunity for God to be praised.
What is a disability? It is an inability to do something. It could be a lack of sight, hearing, physical movement, mental capacity, chronic health problems. These are some of the obvious disabilities which impact on daily life. However, they do not make a person of less value or imply that there is something ‘wrong’ with the person. Quite the contrary! We have wonderful examples of blind people who invented the Braille system of writing, deaf people who invented a sign language to help in communication, people with chronic illnesses who have raised awareness and money to work in research. It does not mean that a person is not able to walk is also unable to think clearly.
We all have abilities and disabilities. It is part of living in a communal world. Some people are tech savvy, others can train animals. A doctor has skills that a tradesman lacks, a lawyer is different from a nurse.
You might ask a blind person if he wants to see, and be surprised by the answer. “No, I am who I am. I can manage my life, certainly relying on some help, but that is a good thing. It fosters community and a sharing of gifts. I know when I need to ask for help, and this enriches both me and my neighbour.
What are we to make of all of this? Of course, disability
throws up challenges.